Just loved "A Christmas Story Christmas" on HBO

[Thunderbeast]

The reboot of the classic seventies Gene Shepherd classic about a 10 year-old yearning for BB gun for Christmas; Peter Billingsley reprises his role as "all grown up" Ralphie. Much of the original cast returns in this tribute to "The Old Man's" dedication to creating the perfect Christmas for his family.

If you (like me) are a fan of the classic "Christmas Story", give this a watch on HBO / HBO Max.

[rsdsharp]

1. I'd love to see it, but we don't have HBO. I'm glad to hear you liked it.

I was worried that it would suffer without Jean Shepherd narrating, and working on the script, not to mention his cameo appearance.

[Auggie]

2. Saw it (a few spoilers)

It's a far cry from the original IMO, and that's just because the original was just so darn good.

Directing, script, acting, editing, pacing all seemed weak and a little cliche. The entire production seemed rushed, in fact. According to IMDB, Jean Shepherd spent 10 years thinking about the original before putting it on film. The sequel would have benefited from the same kind of attention.

Peter Billingsly was one cute Ralphie but as an adult couldn't carry the film. The brightest cast member IMO was Julie Hagerty as the now eccentric mom. The rest of the family was dull as could be.

Film also didn't seem to capture the early 80s. Those of us who lived through that era know how ridiculous it was -- comic gold that in this case wasn't mined. Most disappointingly, I expected the BB gun to be an integral part of the storyline, and at least see pieces of the lamp in one form or another.

[Number9Dream]

3. Agreed - This was surprisingly excellent

Last edited Wed Dec 14, 2022, 12:39 PM - Edit history (1)

Friends of ours who have HBO Max had us over to watch, because they know we're big fans of the original. Thought they did a very good job capturing the spirit of the original, plus a very good ending. Hope to see it again when and if it comes out on DVD.

Also, the beginning of the movie notes it is 1973, NOT the early 8o's as stated above.